A Southport man believes his wife may have been kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

David Sheekey's wife Sarah is originally from Uganda, but visited the East of DRC where her family owns some land.

David said: “Sarah had travelled to the city of Bukavu, DRC, with her Aunt. The family own land there, but it is being illegally occupied by squatters.

“Sarah and her Aunt went with the intention of reclaiming the family land. When I phoned Sarah she told me that people, presumably those squatting the land, had kidnapped her aunt.

“Fearing for her safety, Sarah was being sheltered by a local priest in his church.”

David, 55, last heard from Sarah on Thursday, August 27. He believes she may have been kidnapped by the same people who took Sarah's aunt.

"Fearing for her safety, Sarah was being sheltered by a local priest in his church."

David has described Sarah as extremely “streetwise” as she runs a large, local non-government organisation and is a member of the opposition Forum for Democratic change in Uganda. However, he is naturally concerned for his wife's safety.

Sarah is also a candidate in a local election in December.

David said: “I know Sarah has been in difficult situations before. She is very capable. However, the area she is in is notoriously dangerous.

“Armed militias operate and the writ of the central authorities seem tenuous.

“I am concerned and just wish her safe return and that of her Aunt.

“I want to thank friends in Southport and beyond for their concern and support.”

This map shows the city of Bukavu where Sarah and her Aunt travelled to. Image provided by Google Maps.

As part of his attempts to find Sarah, a friend of David's made contact with the Ugandan High Commissioner in London, but he has had no response to date.

David has also been in touch with the Joint Consul at the British High Commission in Kampala, Uganda, and exchanged emails with the British consul in DRC.

David said: “The problem is the province Bukavu is in something of a dysfunctional society. Armed militias still operate in the surrounding countryside.

“My eldest stepdaughter has tried to utilise local unofficial contacts in both Uganda and the DRC.

"I feel this is obviously a criminal case and so law enforcement agencies must be engaged to bring about the safe return of Sarah and her Aunt."